Energy Star Version 2.5 Incentive

Dear Builder/Rater:

According to the ENERGY STAR New Homes Version 3 implementation schedule, all homes permitted on or after April 1^st, 2011 and completed prior to January 1^st, 2012 seeking ENERGY STAR qualification must comply with ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 requirements to be qualified. The Energy Star New Homes program designed Version 2.5 to be a transitional bridge to help participants qualify for Version 3, which states any home permitted or completed after JANUARY 1, 2012 must use Version 3.

Rocky Mountain Power’s New Homes program is governed by a tariff approved by the Utah Public Service Commission for ENERGY STAR Version 2.0 homes. Rocky Mountain Power is currently working on modifying the program and requesting approval from the Utah Public Service Commission to provide an incentive structure for ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 qualified homes. Currently, builders cannot apply for incentives on ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 homes until Rocky Mountain Power proposes and the Utah Public Service Commission approves the request to modify the program. The Rocky Mountain Power New Homes Program will request homes that permitted on or after April 1, 2011 and qualify for Version 2.5 will be eligible for Version 2.5 incentives.

Rocky Mountain Power New Homes program suggests builders follow Version 2.5 requirements for home permitted after April 1, 2011 and scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2011.  However, the existence of future program incentives will be contingent on Utah Public Service Commission program approval once submitted by Rocky Mountain Power.

Compliance with ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 requires additional checklists that were not required in Version 2.0, so builders and HVAC contractors should be aware they need to submit inspection worksheets to their HERS raters prior to final inspection of the home. Failure to submit the checklists in a timely manner to the rater will result in the home not being eligible for ENERGY STAR qualification.

For Version 2.5, all Version 3 testing and checklists must be completed, but ONLY sections 3 and 5 of the new Thermal Enclosure checklist must be passed. Please note that if you’re building an ENERGY STAR home right now, that will be completed on or after January 1, 2012, you must be using Version 3.

As a reminder, homes must be submitted to the program within 120 days of the certificate of occupancy.

As partners in the Rocky Mountain Power New Homes Program we appreciate your continued support.  We welcome your comments and suggestions as we strive to improve the New Homes program. Please contact us at (855)269-8386 or e-mail Newhomes@rockymountainpower.net. You may also visit www.rockymountainpower.net/energystar for more information pertaining to the program.

 

Regards,

Rocky Mountain Power New Homes Program Team

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